I'm noticing that many of the rental cars are electric which is great, but I'm curious how easy it is to get the car charged in Provence.
Posted by
Uppsala, Sweden
6970 posts
A good start is to take a look at this map: https://chargemap.com/map
With charging stations everywhere and longer range that is really turning into a very minor issue. As long as you know how to pay at the different charging stations.
Posted by
Pacific Northwest
894 posts
Is one expected to return a rental EV fully charged?
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
11875 posts
Is one expected to return a rental EV fully charged?
What does the rental agreement stipulate?
As long as you know how to pay at the different charging stations.
How many ways are there? Are they not set up like gas pumps with a charge card reader?
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
20175 posts
schweizergayle1 do let us know how it works out. After what I have observed in one Europesn city I am dying to know.
ADDED: its a good question and a lot of us would be interested in what your experiences are in paying and availability. Fairly new topic so a lot to learn.
My comment above was because in the one city I paid attention they seemed few and they appeared to be branded and while I read the instructions, I was a bit confused. But I suspect it's like a lot of new things, confusing till you do it once.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33818 posts
I understand that the different network require different membership cards and apps, before you get to the paying stage.
Posted by
Boise, Idaho
1258 posts
How many ways are there? Are they not set up like gas pumps with a charge card reader?
Living with an EV anywhere on the planet is weirdly lifestyle altering, easily researched on the web and not a relevant topic here unless we really want to start that discussion. Quick answers: Different networks and brands of EV charging stations are all competing for customers; each has its own app and payment system; most will accept credit cards; most are included in crowd-sourced route planning apps; most rental EVs must be returned fully charged; easier and more expensive to return the battery in current state of charge.
Posted by
1047 posts
I did a search on this site and found this article by Cameron:
https://blog.ricksteves.com/cameron/2022/11/ev-europe-road-trip/
It appears that he believes that a discussion about EVs is appropriate for this forum.
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
20175 posts
Of course. It's a form of transportation for a tourist. Why wouldn't it be? I think it's perfect here given there is a lack of knowledge among Americans of its use in Europre. It's sort of the definition of the purpose of the forum. What am I missing?
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
Although we have owned an EV for over five years, I am not sure I would rent one in Europe. Finding a charging station is an additional complication that I don't need in Europe. Recharging does take time and given the much higher charge for KHrs in Europe I would doubt that the savings would be that much greater over a compact diesel.
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
7884 posts
As a current U.S. EV owner, I agree that a vacation is not the time to learn about the annoyances and problems with EV charging in any country. It may feel warm and fuzzy on the newsboard, but you'll be sorry you hugged this whale when you have places to go and sights to see.